(Old Hat Productions) Ed Bruce started his music career back in the early 50s when in his early teens, he began writing songs. He began recording in the late 50s while still in high school under the name Edwin Bruce when he signed with the legendary Sun Records. Over the course of the last six decades, Ed became a successful award winning songwriter having many of his songs recorded by other artists who had major hits with them, taking them to the top of the charts. His first major hit was with "See The Big Man Cry," which was recorded by Charlie Louvin in 1962 and earned Ed his first BMI award. Among others that are immediately recognizable are "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys," a song Waylon and Willie covered that went on to become the quintessential 'outlaw' anthem that topped the chart and won Ed a Grammy. Tanya Tucker recorded "Texas When I Die" (which earned a Grammy nomination) and "The Man Who Turned My Mama On." Crystal Gayle had a hit with "Restless" and George Jones and Tammy Wynette covered "One" on their last duet album of the same title in '95. Ed also carved out a recording career for himself having a string of hits throughout the 70s and 80s, among his most notable songs being his own version of "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies...," "My First Taste Of Texas," "Girls, Women And Ladies," "When You Fall In Love Everything's A Waltz," "The Theme From Bret Maverick," "The Last Cowboy Song," and his only #1 "You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had." Not only did Ed find success in music, but he also found success in acting and has appeared frequently in both film and TV, his most famous stint co-starring with James Garner as Tom Guthrie in the TV series Bret Maverick. 

Towards the late 80s he moved away from recording and although he continued to write, he instead focused his energy on his acting/TV career and breeding Tennessee Walking Horses and English Setters. In the years since Ed stopped recording, he was often asked by fans when he'd record again as he was greatly missed. Then he was approached by friends Mike Morgan and Jeff Elliott (who serve as co-producers of This Old Hat) who asked if he'd be interested in recording a 'cyber-CD.' After giving it a moment of thought, Ed jokingly decided if he was going to record again- it might as well be now while he had some fans left that were "still breathing and with hearing intact."

After far too long an absence, This Old Hat marks Ed Bruce's most welcome return to recording. This Old Hat offers up 13 tracks of never before heard songs along with a couple of older previously released songs- the still exquisite "You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had" and "My First Taste Of Texas." Despite the long hiatus, Ed is as affable and unassuming as ever and the years have been most kind to his deep baritone, giving it an even warmer tone.

He delivers a nice range of songs throughout This Old Hat. There's uptempo barroom honky tonkers of heartbreak ("The Tracks You Left On Me," "The Truth Is I'm A Liar"), an ode to a lover's perfection ("My Baby Don't Need No Polish To Shine") and setting the record straight that it's not the bartender who dispenses advice- it's the jukebox in the corner ("The Bartender It's All On The Jukebox"). He provides a pair of first rate story songs with the title track "This Old Hat," an old cowboy's tale of the hat's life. "Growing Up" is a standout, an affecting tale of the trials of growing up and coming full circle on which Ed really shines with some amazingly strong, supple and soulful vocals. He positively soars on the ballads that he infuses with powerful emotion. "How Do You Do That?" and "The Greatest Hit" pay tender and loving homage to women who's unconditional love has kept them by their man's side through thick and thin and he delivers a lovely version of his own "One" that beautifully conveys the hope and promise a new love holds. The melancholy "The Feel Of Bein' Gone" has a man achingly reflecting on the prospect of losing the woman he loves, while "Did He Say It Better Than Me?" is a gut wrenching portrayal of a man's pain over the loss of the love of his life.

Sometimes you don't miss what you had till it's gone. If you're lucky enough to find it again, it's all the more appreciated and treasured. That's the case with Ed Bruce's return to recording. This Old Hat feels as familiar, comfortable and lived in as the old hat he sings about in the title song- a warm and welcome feeling. Ed's currently working on a Gospel album, so here's hoping he's missed recording as much as his fans have missed him and we'll be hearing that wonderful, rich, warm baritone a bit more often from here on out.

Standout Tracks: "The Tracks You Left On Me," "You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had," "How Do You Do That?," "This Old Hat," "The Bartender," "Did He Say That Better Than Me?," "Growing Up,"

On The Net: www.edbrucemusic.com

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack April 2004